Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of the Central United States, where the climate can lead to varying levels of sun exposure. With midday UV levels peaking at an intense 12—the highest on the scale—it's essential to be aware of how to protect your skin from harmful rays and prevent sunburn. Maintaining skin health not only enhances your comfort but also reduces the long-term risks of skin damage. Given the BSk climate typical of this region, which experiences both sunny days and cooler breezes, the potential for unguarded UV exposure often goes unnoticed. Stay informed and safeguard your skin by tracking the UV Index daily!
The UV Index for the day reveals a dynamic shift in sun exposure, peaking dramatically between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Starting the morning with a mild maximum of 2 at 7:00 AM, the index steadily rises, reaching 12 by midday—an indication of high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, it dips to 10 at 2:00 PM and then gradually decreases to a more moderate level of 4 by 4:00 PM. By the evening, the UV Index settles back down to 1 by 6:00 PM, signaling a safe time to enjoy the outdoors again. Be sure to protect your skin during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with notable increases as we move from winter into summer. January begins with a moderate UV Index of 5, and while the risk starts low, it escalates quickly, peaking in the summer months. February sees a rise to a high UV Index of 7, and by March, it reaches 10, indicating a very high risk. The extreme category of UV Index 12 persists from May through August, marking these as the highest risk months for UV exposure, with a burn time as short as 10 minutes. As fall sets in, the UV Index decreases to 8 in October and 6 in November, with exposure categorizing back to very high and high, respectively. By December, the UV Index drops to 4, indicating a return to moderate exposure. Visitors and residents are advised to practice sun safety measures—including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during the peak months of April to September when UV levels are most hazardous.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Brooklyn UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| New York City UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| Central | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |